ICAEW Student Insights podcast
ICAEW Student Insights is a podcast from ICAEW aimed at students and early-career professionals in accountancy and finance. Hosted by Jag Dhaliwal ACA, an audit professional and accountancy influencer, it covers practical topics for getting ahead in the workplace. The series is designed to broaden knowledge and help listeners become better-rounded professionals. Episodes focus on skills, career development, and issues relevant to the accountancy profession.
Episodes
Working in charities and the public sector
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores what it’s like to work as a chartered accountant in charities and the public sector. This episode covers:The relevance of the ACA qualification to taking a role in the public sector.How transferable the skills are between a traditional practice and the more varied experience offered by charities or jobs in the civil
Why we should learn more about how we learn
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal talks to two experts about the way we learn and how we can all make the most of our time taking in and retaining information. This episode covers:The Identify, Modify, Adapt (IMA) framework and how we can use it to make the best use of our time in a classroom.Why learning strategies are much more beneficial than learning styl
Building a career in industry
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Orkhan Freeman explores what it’s like to be an accountant working in industry.This episode covers:The relevance of the ACA qualification to training or working in industry.The transferable skills between practice and industry roles.Building relationships with colleagues outside of finance teams.How to make an informed career move.Orkhan
Building a career in practice
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Orkhan Freeman discusses the different career opportunities available in practice.This episode covers:Growing your confidence as a student.The increasing focus on advisory work in practice. The importance of ‘soft’ skills in the sector.Being proactive about shaping your progression.Orkhan is joined in the studio by Dale Pollitt, Director
Specialised Learning explained
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns the importance of Specialised Learning as part of the updated ACA qualification.This episode covers:How Specialised Learning will help futureproof your career.The different types of courses available on the Specialised Learning platform.Engaging with your employer around their expectations of Specialised Learning.How m
What managers want
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores how ACA students can ensure they can make a great impression in the workplace, as well as working towards their longer-term career goals.This episode covers:Setting yourself up for success at the beginning of your training.The importance of being proactive throughout your training.Identifying your strengths and caree
Next Generation ACA: transitional arrangements explained
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal discovers what current ACA students need to know as the Next Generation ACA arrives in July 2025.This episode covers:The new components of the Next Generation ACA.Dual running and transitioning to Next Generation ACA exams.Mapping of existing ACA exams and Next Generation ACA exams.Transitional arrangements for the Ethics Lea
Getting into good habits
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, guest host Orkhan Freeman discusses how ACA students can set themselves up for success.This episode covers:Making best use of ICAEW resourcesBalancing work and studying with your personal lifeKeeping on top of the online training fileMaking the most of your six-monthly reviewsOrkhan is joined in the studio by Jas Rayat, Student Council Chair f
Top tips for exam success
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns how students can best prepare themselves for ACA and ICAEW CFAB exams.This episode covers:How to manage your stress levels and boost your confidenceThe importance of preparation and keeping to a routineWhen and how to adjust your approach to examsThe resources and support available from ICAEW and cabaJag is joined in t
Easy as ESG: your introduction to sustainability
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores how sustainability is influencing the direction of the accountancy profession.This episode covers:· The key accounting standards shaping sustainability reporting and assurance· How demand for non-financial information is changing the work of accountants· Applying your knowledge and skills to working wi
Bouncing back from exam failure
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal discusses how exam failure can be used as an opportunity to come back stronger.This episode covers:Why it’s healthy to share experiences of failureHow to process failure and build resilienceStrategies for approaching exam retakesMaking best use of ICAEW and tutor resourcesJag is joined in the studio by Oliver Sighe, Fay Bartl
No more fear: how to master presentations
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns how accountants can develop their presentation and communication skills.This episode covers:The importance of presenting and communicating to your careerThe value of storytelling as a communication tool in the workplaceHow to communicate information and build rapport with audiencesHow to prepare and deliver presentatio
Professional ethics: it starts with you
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores the ethical responsibilities of accountants.This episode covers:How to identify the warning signs of ethical failings and poor governance.Why professional accountants are trusted leaders on ethical behaviour.The importance of the ICAEW Code of Ethics in guiding the work of accountants.How the ACA qualification equips
Personal branding: the key to your career
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns how personal branding is essential to achieving your career goals.This episode covers:How to develop an authentic personal brand.Strategies to grow in confidence at the workplace.How an elevator pitch will help you stand out.The importance of lifelong learning to your career.Jag is joined in the studio by Melanie Coesh
Emotional intelligence: does your EQ match your IQ?
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores emotional intelligence and why it is critical in driving individual, team and business performance. This episode covers:Why emotional intelligence is essential to career progression.How emotional intelligence underpins high-performing teams.Strategies for strengthening emotional intelligence at work.Communicating eff
Well-being: are you putting yourself first?
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns how trainee accountants can make a plan for their well-being and recognise signs of stress and pressure.This episode covers:Managing your work-life balance as part of hybrid working.Taking a proactive approach to personal well-being.Strategies for handling busy periods at work and times of increased stress, including e
Unlocking the business benefits of neurodiversity
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores the link between supporting neurodivergent people at work and better business performance.This episode covers:The challenges that workplaces and common working practices can pose for neurodivergent people.The need for an individualised approach to adjustments for neurodivergent people.How to become an ally to neurodi
Artificial intelligence: accountant’s friend or foe?
In this first episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal discovers how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are influencing the work of accountants.This episode covers:The current and anticipated applications of new technologies in accountancy.The evolving roles and responsibilities of accountants as a result.The need to apply professional scepticism to new tech
